Deep within Durmitor National Park, beyond the popular paths and the crowds at Black Lake, lies a hidden wonder. It’s a place where nature whispers its secrets to those who seek solitude. Few venture far enough to discover Jablan Lake, a secluded gem known only to the most adventurous.
What is Jablan Lake
Jablan Lake is a beautiful glacial lake located in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning landscapes, towering mountains, and deep gorges. Jablan Lake is one of the many glacial lakes scattered across the park. It is often referred to as one of the “Mountain Eyes” of Durmitor due to its striking appearance and the way it reflects the surrounding peaks.
The lake is situated at an elevation of about 1,791 meters (5,876 feet) above sea level, making it one of the higher-altitude lakes in the park. It is relatively small and less well-known compared to some of the other lakes in Durmitor, such as Black Lake (Crno Jezero), but it offers a peaceful and secluded spot for visitors.
The area around Jablan Lake is a popular destination for hiking, with several trails leading through beautiful meadows, pine forests, and rugged terrain. The lake itself is surrounded by lush greenery in the warmer months, and its crystal-clear waters reflect the sky and surrounding peaks, creating a picturesque setting.
If you’re visiting Durmitor National Park, Jablan Lake is definitely worth exploring, offering a tranquil and less crowded retreat—perfect for a relaxing day after conquering the summit of Bobotov Kuk.
How to Get to Jablan Lake
If you’re planning to visit Jablan Lake, you have mainly two options:
- From Bosača starting point (near Momčilov Grad)
- From Zabljak / Black Lake
One is a short trek that can be done in a couple of hours, while the other is more of a full-day activity. Here are the two options into details:
From Bosača – Short Trek
The easiest and quickest way to reach Jablan Lake is from the trailhead near the Momčilov Grad restaurant. Drive 7.8 km along the panoramic road 2 until you reach the starting point, where free parking is available along the roadside. From there, the lake is just 2.1 km one way, making for a short and accessible hike.
This is the most convenient route to Jablan Lake, with a modest elevation gain, making it an ideal easy hike, especially after a more challenging trek. Here’s the exact starting point of the hike.
From Zabljak – Long Loop Trek
This is the longer option, which can be done as an out-and-back trail (6.6km one-way) or as a loop (14.7km total).
From Zabljak, you could walk on a path that passes through the villages of Pitomine and Bosača before reaching the same starting point as the short trek. However, the best option is doing the loop hike that passes through the forest, uncovering amazing views.
AUSSICHT CRVENA GREDA LOOP TREK FROM PITOMINE: The loop hike to Jablan Lake from Pitomine near Žabljak is a scenic 13-15 km trek through Durmitor National Park, taking around 5-7 hours. Starting not far from the Black Lake, the trail winds through forests and meadows before ascending to the secluded Jablan Lake (2), surrounded by rugged peaks. The return follows a different route, passing via Aussicht Crvena Greda (3-4) and Zminje Jezero (between 7 and 8), offering stunning mountain views. With moderate difficulty and an elevation gain of about 700 meters, this hike is a great way to explore the park’s quieter, wilder side.
Hiking Jablan Lake (Short Hike) – Detailed Guide
Since we couldn’t fit the longer loop into our itinerary, we chose the shorter hike instead—there was no way we were missing Jablan Lake. It may be a short hike, but it’s full of surprises.
If you include all the viewpoints, the entire hike is about 6.3km long. We’d recommend starting on the blue path, heading towards the viewpoints over Jablan Lake. Then, retrace your steps till the crossroad, and head to the lake. Here you can continue until the viewpoint at the bottom of the map.
From there, or from the lake, head back on the red path towards the starting point.
NOTE: This blog post doesn’t cover the longer Aussicht Crvena Greda loop from Pitomine. Check Komoot for details if you’re planning that trek.
Hike Starting Point (1746m)
As you drive towards the starting point of the hike, you’ll likely pass through Bosača. This is a stunning little village which is definitely worth a quick stop. Here are some photos from our drive.
The trailhead is easy to spot with parked cars and clear trail markers. Free roadside parking is available, but be sure not to block the way as both the parking space and the road are quite narrow.
Right from the start, you’ll see several trails. A short viewpoint trail branches off to the left just 100 meters away, then reconnects with the main path.
The viewpoint opens up over the valley of Bosača, the Black Lake, the town of Zabljak, and the valley of Vražje jezero in the distance.
From here, follow the trail towards the lake. The one on the right-hand trail (red) is the easiest, with a gentler incline but a slightly longer route. The left-hand trail (blue) is slightly steeper and more challenging.
After 1.4 km, you’ll reach a crossroads. Turning right leads to a series of viewpoints and the longer loop hike from Black Lake. Going straight (or keeping left) takes you downhill toward Jablan Lake.
The Jablan Lake Viewpoints (1929m)
One spot you shouldn’t miss when hiking to Jablan Lake is the viewpoints. If you’re doing the longer Aussicht Crvena Greda loop, you’ll pass them along the way, but even on the shorter hike, they’re easy to reach.
At the crossroads mentioned earlier, turn right and head uphill for a few hundred meters. The first viewpoint appears quickly, while the last one is about 750 meters from the junction.
The views from up here are truly breathtaking. Once you’ve taken it all in, simply head back to the crossroads to continue your hike.
Jablan Lake (1791m)
From the crossroads, the hike down to Jablan Lake is short and scenic. The trail winds through the forest, and within minutes, the trees give way to a stunning view of the lake’s emerald waters.
As you get closer, the calm atmosphere and reflections of the surrounding peaks make it a great place to stop and enjoy the view. From here, you can continue towards the viewpoint at the bottom of the map, or retrace your steps towards the main road following the red path.
Where to Stay near Jablan Lake
The most convenient place to stay near the hiking trails of Durmitor National Park is the town of Žabljak, often considered the gateway to the mountains. In Žabljak, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, from campgrounds to charming rooms and cozy cabins.
Here are our top recommendations!
Campgrounds
- AutoCamp Mlinski Potok: A charming campsite run by a lovely family.
- AutoCamp Ivan Do: Offers the best location in Žabljak, perfect for hikers.
Budget Accommodations
- Hostel Hikers Den: The best hostel in Žabljak, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Hostel Highlander: Another excellent choice for solo travelers.
- Old Guest House 1964: An affordable and authentic stay in Durmitor National Park.
Mid-Range Options
- Apartment Durmitor: Great location with excellent value for money.
- Hill Durmitor: Centrally located and nicely furnished.
- Modern in Center: A recently renovated apartment in the heart of Žabljak.
- Eternum Glamping: Located a bit further out, but offers stunning accommodation.
Luxury Stays
- Casa di Pino Eco Lodge: Their loft is exceptionally beautiful.
- Monte Bella: A new complex with gorgeous rooms.
- Vila Tara: One of the best accommodations in town.
Best Time to Visit Jablan Lake
The best time to visit Jablan Lake is during spring and early summer. The weather is mild, and the surrounding landscapes are lush and green. The lake is at its fullest during these months, with the emerald waters reflecting the peaks beautifully.
In early spring, when the ice begins to melt, the lake is especially stunning, with the combination of snow-capped mountains and the fresh, thawing waters.
By late summer, however, the water level drops significantly, and parts of the lakebed can be exposed. This can affect the overall experience, as the lake’s stunning appearance is best when it’s full.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before heading out to Jablan Lake, here are a few important things to keep in mind to make the most of your hike:
Navigating: The trail leading to Jablan Lake does not appear on google maps. Refer to maps.me or to dedicated hiking apps to find the route.
Trail Difficulty: The hike to Jablan Lake is considered easy to moderate. It’s relatively short, but there are some steep sections, especially on the way up to the viewpoints. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a few challenging spots.
Weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so check the forecast before your hike. In spring and early summer, the temperatures are mild, but it can still be chilly in the morning or evening. Always bring a light jacket or layers.
Water Level: The lake is at its fullest in spring and early summer, making it the best time to visit. By late summer, the water level drops significantly, and the lake may appear quite different.
Bring Water and Snacks: There are no facilities along the trail, so pack enough water and some snacks to keep your energy up, especially if you plan on taking your time to explore and enjoy the viewpoints.
Parking: Free parking is available at the trailhead, but be sure not to block the road. It’s a popular spot, so it can get busy in peak seasons.
Respect Nature: Stay on marked trails to protect the environment, and avoid littering. Take your trash with you to keep this beautiful area pristine.
Wildlife: The area around Jablan Lake is home to wildlife like chamois and eagles. Keep an eye out, but also respect their space and don’t disturb them.
